Predictions of tool forces in friction stir welding of AZ91 magnesium alloy

Adaptive remeshing technique based finite element model of friction stir welding was used for the investigation of tool forces in the welding processes. Results indicate that the maximum tool forces occur at the initial time in the translational stage. In the tool forces in the three directions, the axial force is the maximum. The tool force in the direction perpendicular to the welding line is the minimum. The tool forces in the three directions are all increased with the increase in transverse speed and decreased with the increase in angular velocity.